A Sudden Announcement

Before you could decide you hear a announcement. A gruff old female voice says - All Students are asked to gather in the auditorium.

*The crowd of students moves down the hallway, chattering excitedly as they head towards the auditorium. You catch snippets of their conversations:

"I can't believe there are actual boys here now..."

"Do you think they'll sit with us at lunch?"

"I heard the headmaster's daughter is a total bitch. Wonder if she'll try to bully the new guys."

You spot a few of the boys, looking just as awkward and out of place as you feel. Most seem to be keeping to themselves, not engaging with the gaggle of girls around them.

As you enter the auditorium, you scan the sea of faces, searching for someone, anyone, that you recognize.

Suddenly someone pulls your hand and asks - "John?". You turn around face to face with a cute girl. You smile and guess - "Trish". Trish smiles realizing that she had found the right guy. She hugs you and you hug back. It seemed ages since you both had hugged. You also felt something particularly soft press against your chest during the embrace.

Trish quickly disengages, blushing furiously. "Oh! S-Sorry about that," she stammers in an embarrassed voice. She looks down shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's just...it's really good to see you again after so long."

You laugh, realizing that Trish is still just as shy as ever. "I missed you too," you remark, her blush deepening in response. But before she can say anything else, a petite girl rushes up and grabs both your hands, tugging you along.

"You lovebirds can have your happy reunion later," she says with a mischievous grin. "If we don't hurry, we'll have to sit in the worst seats!"

Trish laughs as the three of you rush into the auditorium, the petite girl still holding your hands tightly. Trish turns to you with an apologetic smile. "Sorry John, this is Casey, my bestest friend," she explains. "She can be a bit...competitive sometimes."

You nod in understanding as Casey, seemingly focused on navigating through the crowded hallway, doesn't respond. After a few minutes, you all manage to find seats in the second row as more students continue filing in.

"Phew, that was close!" Casey remarks, finally letting go of your hands. "I didn't want us to end up in the back rows. Can you imagine how boring that would've been?"